A person's name is very precious to them. When you speak to a person by name, you make your interaction more personal. This becomes especially apparent when you talk with service personnel like cashiers and waiters. For example, when I ask the check-out clerk in my large supermarket, "Hi, Joanne. How's it going so far today?" she brightens up. The simple act of using her name converts her from a role as clerk to a real person. As well, my using her name makes me stand out from the others in the check-out line. I notice they rarely address her by name.

     Usually, service personnel wear name badges you can easily see. This is true at my post office, UPS store, all supermarkets, my office supply store, and most restaurants. The Las Vegas casinos go even further by putting both first name and country of origin or U.S. state on the badges. I have started many pleasant conversations with this basic information. "Hi, Maria! What part of Mexico are you from?" As well, the service I receive seems to be more friendly and helpful.    

     Even with people I already know well, such as at my church, using their name in my greeting has a warmer, more personal "feel" than just saying "Good morning" without a name.

   Of course, use first names only as appropriate. For example, it's rarely appropriate to address your physician, professor, or minister, priest, or rabbi, and some older people by their first names. Follow the etiquette standards of your community.

Note: Since learning from internet experts that better times to publish "Better Conversations" are Tuesday and Friday mornings, I am making that small change. I hope this works better for you readers.